Does Target take food stamps? The short answer to this question is yes, Target does take food stamps. However, there are a number of things you should keep in mind when you’re shopping with food stamps at Target because Target does not accept EBT for all purchases. Read on for more info!
Please note that in this article, we’ll use the terms EBT, SNAP, and food stamps interchangeably. This article refers specifically to SNAP benefits, and does not include information on EBT cash benefits and/or TANF. For information on how to use your EBT cash, please refer to Low Income Relief’s guide to EBT cash benefits.
Does Target Take Food Stamps?
The short answer is “yes!” It is absolutely okay to use food stamps at Target. However, it’s important to know the ins and outs of food stamps in general, because you can’t use food stamps for all items at Target. Most Target stores carry grocery items that are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, but it is worth noting that food stamps cannot be used to purchase other common items sold at Target stores, such as clothing, home decor, and furniture.
What Can I Purchase With Food Stamps at Target?
When it comes to shopping with food stamps at Target, the same rules apply to your purchases as they do everywhere else. That means, you can purchase food items, including fruits and vegetables, meat, cheese, milk, breads and cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages with food stamps. Further, you can use food stamps to purchase seeds and plants that can be consumed as food. More information on what food stamps can be used to purchase is available on the USDA website.
What Can I Not Purchase With Food Stamps at Target?
Target stores adhere to the same rules that the federal government sets forth for the use of food stamps. That means that food stamps cannot be used at Target to purchase things like tobacco, alcohol, pet food, cleaning products, paper goods (e.g. paper towels), personal hygiene products, cosmetics, makeup, diapers, formula, clothing, furniture, home decor, vitamins, and supplements. A comprehensive list of items that cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits / food stamps is available on the USDA website.
Does Target Take Food Stamps Online?
Unfortunately, Target does not take food stamps on their website or their app. While some stores have moved to accept EBT / SNAP for online ordering during the Coronavirus pandemic, Target has not done so. While Target does not accept EBT payments online, some similar retailers do through the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program.
WalMart is something of a pioneer of EBT online payment, starting their service in 2017. WalMart accepts EBT payment online in 46 states. In a few other states, you can still place online orders if you plan to use EBT, but you will have to pay on-site.
Amazon Fresh and Amazon Pantry also accept EBT payment online for food and other EBT eligible items that are delivered to your home. Please note that EBT payment is not accepted by Amazon if you live in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana or Montana. You might also be surprised to learn that Whole Foods, a subsidiary of Amazon, does not allow online ordering with EBT.
So, now you know the answer to the question “does Target take food stamps?” If you are interested in learning more about food stamps, how to get them, and how you can make the most of them, we hope you’ll check out Low Income Relief’s Frequently Asked Questions on food stamps and our article on what you can buy with food stamps.
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Catherine Hall
Catherine Hall, LMSW is a therapist at a small group practice in New York City. She earned her master of social work degree at New York University.